Natural environment
Our natural environment consists of two components: non –living, also called the abiotic component and living known as the biotic component.
- Abiotic or non –living environment
This includes the factors which are non-living.
- Soil: this is the uppermost layer of the earth’s crust and supports plants which in turn support life of animals. It is the medium in which plants fix themselves and get minerals and water. Soil is also home for many small animals.
- Air and wind: there is an envelope of air around earth which is called atmosphere. Moving air is called wind. This atmosphere is protective in function as it saves us from excessive heat and ultraviolet (UV) rays of sun. it helps plants to make food and release oxygen. Thus it plays a major role in affecting our environment. It can determine the climate and weather conditions. Wind can help in maintaining temperature. It can bring rainfall (monsoon winds).
- Water, humidity and rain: nearly three quarters of our earth is covered with water. Water is present in water bodies, water present in air the form of vapor is called water vapor and when water from air condenses it is called rain.
Life is impossible without water as most of the living beings have water in their bodies. Moreover, water is such as fish. Presence of water vapor in air or humidity also affects the environment. You have seen we sweat too much during rainy season. Why is this? This is because there is too much humidity in the air. Rain also plays an important role in determining the environment of a place.
For example, in places where there is less rain, as in deserts, the climate is dry and hot.
- Temperature: temperature of a place can make it hot or cold which in turns affects the condition of soil, humidity in air, flow of air and thus affects life in general.
- Light: light is a factor which affects plants and animals both. Plants need light to make food. Animals need light too. Moreover, the resting time of animals is affected by light. Some animals sleep in the day while some at night. Climate conditions also depend on the sunlight received at a place.
In desert we find the effect of light and heat on plants. So is true for cold regions or regions which receive less light.
